#16 Back to reality

I blinked a few times, trying to comprehend his words. So, this was the end of our little adventure. This was just sex for him, and I was stupid enough to invest more in this relationship.
"Of course, sir. Probably this will be the best for both of us," I replied, my voice cold, my eyes burning with unshed tears.
"I'm not the man who does relationships, romantic dates, and buys flowers and chocolates, Miss Russell."
"Well, sir, I don't recall asking for any further explanation. The initial agreement was just sex for a night. Let's say we added a couple more days as a bonus," I hissed.
For a moment, we stared at one another, without uttering a word.
"Miss Russell, you're one of the best secretaries I had so far, and I'd like to keep our relationship strictly professional. I have to make sure whether we are willing to keep our collaboration the way it was," Sebastian said with his cold, professional voice.
"I can't afford to lose this job. Besides, there weren't any feelings involved in the first place. It was just sex…"
Partially it was the truth because I really needed that job, but it was also a lie since I already had feelings for him.
"Very well then, I'm glad we're on the same page. One more thing…"
"It will be confidential. There's nothing to worry about," I interrupted my Boss.
Sebastian nodded, looking satisfied. "Thank you, Miss Russell."
I stood up and headed towards the other empty sofa, away from him. I silently cursed the small space inside the cabin; I wanted to be as far away from him as possible.
Was that the future I was so desperately looking forward to? How could I've let myself believe that Sebastian would want something more than sex? He didn't have a real relationship as far as I know, and I wasn't anything different than one of his usual flings, a convenient fuck during his vacations…
The truth hurt more than what I'd want to admit. But I was in no position to ask for something more. Not when the other person wasn't willing to give me what I wanted. I wasn't the one to beg for attention or try my hardest to keep him by my side. Clearly, Sebastian wasn't the one for me, and I had to come to terms with that realization.
"What happened in Greece stays in Greece," I whispered to myself.
I spent the rest of the flight reading one of my e-books. For once, I wanted to travel into that magical world and forget my sadness and all my worries. Thankfully my mind was focused on the novel, and I didn't realize how fast we reached our destination.
It was after midnight when we reached the airport due to the time difference. Sebastian drove me home in his car. We didn't talk much, besides some necessary details about the upcoming meetings and deals.
Sophie was fast asleep once I reached our apartment; thus, I tried to be as quiet as possible. I showered and put some clothes into the washing machine. I wasn't sure if it was the jet lag or my aching heart that kept me awake. Finally, I managed to sleep for about three hours, and I woke up early with the first sunlight to prepare breakfast.
"My best friend is finally back!" Sophie exclaimed and gave me a bear hug.
"Oh, I missed you so much," I murmured, returning the bone-crushing hug.
"When did you come back last night? I didn't hear you…"
"You were sleeping, and I'm glad I didn't wake you up," I replied with a small smile.
"Did you get any rest? Why are you cooking?" Sophie kept shooting her questions.
"I'm fine, Sophie. Let me pamper you a bit," I chuckled.
"Don't tell me you didn't get me any presents," my best friend pouted.
"Of course, I bought you more than one present; you can have them after breakfast."
"Okay! Now tell me everything that happened in Greece," Sophie squealed excitedly.
"It was nice and relaxing. The deal took longer than what we expected to be sealed, but eventually, we made it," I muttered the lie we had agreed to tell with Sebastian.
"Oh, come on, you're tanned, and your hair is glowing. You had sex with Sebastian, didn't you?" my best friend exclaimed.
"What? No, Sophie, don't be ridiculous… Nothing happened with Sebastian," I replied, shaking my head.
"Are you sure? I know that look all too well…"
"Greece is beautiful. I fell in love with the sun, the sea, the wind," I replied, giving her a pointed look.
"And?"
"And maybe there was a handsome Greek man who helped explore the island," I lied once again.
"I knew it!" Sophie exclaimed.
I rolled my eyes at her, taking another sip of my orange juice. We kept talking for a while more, sharing all the new things that happened in our lives these past few weeks. Despite our daily texts and our frequent video calls, we still had many things to discuss. Her relationship with Nickolas was better than ever, and she was happy with him. And I was thrilled for both of them; they were perfect for each other…
Sophie liked the gifts I picked for her, but mostly she was amazed by the photos I had taken. She made me promise her that we'd visit Greece together sometime soon. I couldn't tell her no since this small country had stolen my heart. Yet, I was afraid of all the memories I'd have to face. That place was marked in my mind by Sebastian's presence, and the wound in my heart was still too fresh for me to come back…
As much as I tried to stall, the time for me to go back to the office finally arrived. Sebastian was already there, and we quickly went back to our usual routine; attending meetings, arranging deals, and checking files. My Boss had me running for small errands here and there but made sure to allow me enough time to rest during my breaks.
Only when Nickolas stopped by my office, my lips formed a small smile. We were both delighted to see each other, and he promised to take Sophie and me for dinner so we can celebrate my return.
My friends cheered me up and made me smile and laugh again, even though they didn't know how hurt I was. I couldn't lie, not to myself; Sebastian's rejection ached like hell, but I wanted to believe that better things were coming. I had to stop sulking over a man who was unable to love and didn't want to be loved…
My parents were happy and relieved to see me back in the city. I had never been so far from them for so long. They were proud that my job was going well. I didn't find the courage to tell them what happened between Sebastian and me. Besides, it was supposed to be a secret…
It didn't take long for me to return to reality and the daily routine we used to have. Sebastian was his usual professional self, and I was just his secretary. A mask was plastered on my face during all the hours I had to spend at the office. I didn't allow myself to show any emotion or weakness in front of Sebastian.
However, it became almost unbearable to keep up that front when Sebastian started seeing his whores again. It seemed like his old habits were back since a new woman walked into his office at a specific hour every day. Now, I knew very well the smile they had plastered on their lips when they left his office. I had the same grin, the same satisfaction on my face every time I had sex with Sebastian back in Greece.
I was pissed with him; he had the nerve to sway his sluts in front of my face. I was angry with myself for allowing his man-whorish behavior to hurt my feelings. But I knew all too well what I had to do next; it was time to find a man who'd make me happy. And that might be the perfect way to get him out of my mind…
A month passed by, and despite all the dates Sophie arranged for me, I was yet to find someone that checked most of my boxes. Although, I had to admit that seeing Sebastian's whores daily parade didn't hurt me as much as it used to. I guess that was the power of habit; my heart went more and more numb with every passing day, and in the end, I stopped caring…
"Good morning, darling," Nickolas greeted me upon seeing me entering my kitchen.
"Hello! Do you need any help with this?" I asked, looking at the burning pans in front of him.
"I've got them under control, Evelyn. Just relax and enjoy your breakfast."
"Oh, finally, you're awake!" my best friend said, giving me a side hug.
"And you're out of the bathroom!" I teased her back, and we both laughed.
"Don't worry, darling, I'll drive you to the company…" Nickolas reassured me, and I gave him a small smile.
"You should move in permanently with us, Nick. I could get used to having you as my chauffeur…"
"Not at all selfish…" Nickolas grumbled, rolling his eyes at me as he set a plate full of pancakes on the table.
"Oh, come on, you know I love you," I chuckled.
"Hey, he's taken!" Sophie exclaimed, her lips twitching in a smile.
I lifted my hands in surrender, and they both laughed at me.
"Well, we can arrange a personal driver for you, Evelyn. All you have to do is ask," Nickolas said once we sobered up.
"No need. You know I like walking, and besides, the weather is still warm," I replied, giving him a reassuring smile.
Nickolas nodded and served the crispy bacon he had made before taking his seat around the table.
"What's this?" I asked, scrunching my nose in disgust.
"Bacon," Nickolas answered with a shrug.
"Can you please take this thing away?" I asked, feeling my stomach tightening.
"Evelyn can't eat meat full of fat," Sophie explained to him.
"No, it's not that; the smell is horrible…" I whispered, taking a sip of my juice.
Nickolas took the plate away, and Sophie gave me some water.
"Are you okay, Evelyn? You look pale…" my best friend asked, concern lacing her voice.
I opened my mouth to reply, but I quickly covered it with my hand and ran towards the bathroom. The sudden wave of nausea that hit me made me empty my stomach's contents...
What on earth was wrong with me now?

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A.N. Thanks for reading!! My update schedule might be lighter during the Christmas Holidays because I want to spend some time with my family. This book will take part in the Pregnancy-Romance Writing Contest. So, if you like the story and want to support me, please make sure to keep reading and commenting. Don't forget to check my other works, too. Stay safe!!